How to Use the Internet to Get More Customers and Leads

In the current economy it is more important than ever before for local business to use small business marketing online to attract new customers, clients and patients.

Mass marketing in print media does not work as well as it used to.

But there’s HOPE!

Here’s the neat part. People search online for the goods and services they want and need. Then they buy them from those businesses.

Two-thirds use online search to find what they want and then more than half of them BUY!

According to a recent study by comScore and TMP Directional Marketing:

  • 67% of local business searchers indicated online search as their primary source of local business info.
  • 54% of all online local business searchers went on to make a purchase whether in person, online or by phone.
  • 32% of local business searchers with an internet-capable cell phone conducted a local business search, an 11% increase from 2008.
  • So what does that mean to me, Paul? How would I even begin to use the Internet to get more customers?

    Well, here’s just four ways to harness the power of the Internet and they’re free or really inexpensive.

  • 1.Online video marketing – With the widespread use of high-speed internet service, easily accessible video cameras (heck, if you don’t have one, borrow one), YouTube, and editing software built into computers, using video online as a marketing tool is a MUST. It doesn’t have to be polished and professional-looking. The threshold for quality is still pretty forgiving. Introduce yourself, talk about your business, invite them to your store.
  • 2.Online article marketing – Write an article and submit it for free to online article directories like Ezinearticles.com or SelfGrowth.com. Show your expertise on your product or service and invite the reader to your website for more terrific info. Use ‘location’ words in your article title and article body like Chicago or OakBrook or downtown Evanston. Get found in the search engines when people are searching for your product or service.
  • 3.Online press releases – These can be free or paid. They are a great way to spread the word about your business. Use them to announce contests, surveys, your community involvement, the Little League team you sponsor or any newsworthy event your business is participating in.
  • 4.List building – Give your customers an incentive to sign up for your email list with special offers, discounts or a free report. Keep in touch. Build the relationship. Sell to them over and over again. Ask for referrals and testimonials.
  • These are just four ways you can use a website and the internet to market your small local business online. And what could be better in this economy than to be right in front of your prospective customer when they’re searching for your product or service?

    For more information on how your business can effectively use online marketing, please contact me.

    Call Now To Schedule Your Free Consultation! 312-605-2686